The Palo Duro Canyon State Park Rock Garden Trail is a 4.6-mile out-and-back hike that takes adventurers from the floor of the canyon up to the rim, offering stunning views and a challenging yet rewarding experience. This trail is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the unique geological features and diverse landscapes of the Palo Duro Canyon.
Trail Overview
The Rock Garden Trail is considered a challenging yet not difficult or hard route, with a gradual incline and no need for rock climbing or scrambling. The trail offers great views along the way and at the top, and it is not as crowded as the Lighthouse Trail, another popular hike in the park.
The trail is a steady climb with tight switchbacks, broken up with occasional rolling sections, and it takes hikers from the floor of the canyon to the rim, an elevation gain of over 600 feet in under 2.5 miles. It is the only trail in the park that takes hikers to the rim, and it offers some of the canyon’s best views.
Trailhead and Parking
The trailhead begins near the main road, with some roadside parking nearby, and it is also a short walk from the Sunflower Day Use Area. The first quarter of the trail rises and falls, oscillating between inclines and declines through the rockiest part of the eponymous trail.
Trail Intersections and Terrain
A little before the midway point, the trail intersects with the Upper Comanche Trail, a northwest-southeast trail which is well-marked to hikers. The last quarter of the trail veers back into a minor tributary canyon, obscuring some views as the trail becomes a myriad of switchbacks where the inclines are at their strictest.
The trail is considered a difficult yet doable hike, and it is recommended to start early, take plenty of water, and wear long pants due to the presence of cacti and cat claws on the trail. The trail is also popular for trail running and offers a good workout with moderate inclines and uneven terrain.
Park Entry and Hours
The cost of entry to Palo Duro Canyon State Park is $8 per person, and the park is open from 7 am to 10 pm. The Rock Garden Trail is considered one of the best trails in the park, and it offers a unique perspective of the canyon’s geology, flora, and fauna.
Conclusion
In summary, the Rock Garden Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a challenging yet rewarding hike that offers great views of the canyon and a good workout. It is recommended to start early, take plenty of water, and wear long pants due to the presence of cacti and cat claws on the trail. The cost of entry is $8 per person, and the park is open from 7 am to 10 pm.
References:
– Ollie and Stella Outfitters
– AllTrails
– Hiking Project
– AllTrails
– The Outbound